Butte College
News Announcement

Spring Gala to Honor Two Outstanding Alums

Butte College's Annual Spring Gala will take place on Saturday, March 8, at 6:00 p.m. at Manzanita Place in Chico. This year's gala will highlight the profound influence Butte College alums have on their communities and industries. Two outstanding alumni, Jessica Bjork-Madrigal, a leader in the construction industry, and Ryan Fellers, a distinguished Chico fire captain and instructor, will be honored.

Jessica Bjork-Madrigal

Vice President and Co-owner,
Bjork Construction Company, Inc

Jessica Bjork-Madrigal, vice president and co-owner of Bjork Construction Company, Inc., has built a remarkable career in the construction industry. After attending Butte College from 2005 to 2007, she earned a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management from California State University, Chico, and a Master of Science in Construction Management from Arizona State University.

Bjork-Madrigal has helped lead Bjork Construction Company for nearly a decade. Under her leadership, the company continues to be recognized across many areas, including workplace excellence, sustainability, and diversity. Bjork Construction has placed in the Top 25 of the San Francisco Business Times' list of top women-owned businesses in the Bay Area, been awarded the San Francisco Business Times' "Best Place to Work" award and the Diversity & Inclusion Award from the Associated General Contractors of America. Bjork-Madrigal has long advocated for women in construction, speaking at several university events about her experience in the field.

She hopes to pass on the business to her children someday, continuing her family's legacy of excellence in the construction industry.

Ryan Fellers
Captain, Chico Fire Department

Fire Captain Ryan Fellers, a graduate of the 29th Butte College Fire Academy, has dedicated his career to public safety and firefighter education. After beginning his firefighting journey as a CDF seasonal firefighter in the Nevada-Yuba-Placer unit, he became a volunteer firefighter with Chico Fire Company 1 in 1999.

In 2002, Fellers was hired as a firefighter for the City of Chico. His leadership and dedication resulted in his promotion to fire apparatus engineer in 2010 and fire captain in 2014. He currently serves on the rescue team and steps in as battalion chief when necessary.

Beyond his service in the field, Fellers has given back to the Butte College Fire Academy as a supervisor and instructor, ensuring academy recruits meet the highest standards. He is widely respected throughout the state for his contributions to firefighter training and safety.

"This year's honorees are great examples of the diverse pathways a Butte College education can open up," said Superintendent/President Virginia L. Guleff. "They reflect the many ways our alumni go on to create meaningful change in their industries and communities."

The Butte College Foundation hosts the event to enhance student opportunities and success. Student volunteers from the industrial technology programs and the Butte College Ag Leadership Club bring the event to life. The evening includes dinner, a silent auction, a dessert auction, and a live auction, along with performances by Butte College students and student emcees from the Speech and Debate team. Tickets are $150 each and are available at rrmbaojie.com/springgala.

The event's platinum sponsors are the Law Offices of Daniel H. Alexander, MJB Welding Supply, and Tri Counties Bank.

“We sincerely thank our community and sponsors for their support of Butte College students. Your generosity makes a significant impact on their educational journeys,” said Suzanne Watroba, executive director of the Butte College Foundation. “We look forward to honoring our supporters and alumni at our upcoming gala.”

Event Details:

Date: Saturday, March 8, 2025
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Location: Manzanita Place (1705 Manzanita Ave, Chico, CA 95926)

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